Winter canola (Brassica napus) has the potential to allow for the introduction of a broadleaf crop into the dryland of crop rotations in Kansas and the southern Great Plains region.� Crop rotations traditionally consist almost exclusively of grass crops and attempts to introduce summer broadleaf crops have had mixed success for variety of reasons.� The advantages that winter canola possesses include lower input costs compared to other broadleaf crops in the region; the same equipment used for solid seeded crops may be used; winter canola facilitates the return to traditional fall planted crops such as wheat.� With the introduction of more winter hardy, drought tolerant varieties, the most critical factor in winter canola production becomes planting date.� Planting date is critical since if planted too early or late in the fall, canola is sensitive to winter kill.� Planting too early results in excessive growth and may result in elevation of the growing point above the soil surface.� Planting too late results in insufficient top growth.� Both scenarios leave the crop vulnerable to winterkill.� This research demonstrates a range of acceptable planting dates based upon location and elevation.